1 Frequent oil and filter changes are the most
important preventative maintenance
procedures which can be undertaken by the
DIY owner. As engine oil ages, it becomes
diluted and contaminated, which leads to
premature engine wear.

2 Before starting this procedure, gather
together all the necessary tools and materials.

Also make sure that you have plenty of clean
rags and newspapers handy, to mop up any
spills. Ideally, the engine oil should be warm,
as it will drain better, and more built-up
sludge will be removed with it. Take care,
however, not to touch the exhaust or any
other hot parts of the engine when working
under the vehicle. To avoid any possibility of
scalding, and to protect yourself from
possible skin irritants and other harmful
contaminants in used engine oils, it is
advisable to wear gloves when carrying out
this work. Access to the underside of the
vehicle will be greatly improved if it can be
raised on a lift, driven onto ramps, or jacked
up and supported on axle stands (see
“Jacking and vehicle support”). Whichever
method is chosen, make sure that the vehicle
remains level, or if it is at an angle, so that the
drain plug is at the lowest point (see
illustration).

8.2 Sump drain plug location

3 Slacken the drain plug about half a turn.

Position the draining container under the drain
plug, then remove the plug completely. If
possible, try to keep the plug pressed into the
sump while unscrewing it by hand the last
couple of turns. As the plug releases from the
threads, move it away sharply so the stream
of oil issuing from the sump runs into the
container, not up your sleeve! Recover the
sealing washer from the drain plug.

4 Allow some time for the old oil to drain,
noting that it may be necessary to reposition
the container as the oil flow slows to a trickle.

5 After all the oil has drained, wipe off the
drain plug with a clean rag. Check the sealing
washer for condition, and renew it if
necessary. Clean the area around the drain
plug opening, and refit the plug. Tighten the
plug to the specified torque.

6 Move the container into position under the
oil filter.

7 Using an oil filter removal tool if necessary,
slacken the filter initially, then unscrew it by
hand the rest of the way (see illustration).

8.7 Unscrewing the oil filter

Empty the oil from the old filter into the
container, and discard the filter.

8 Use a clean rag to remove all oil, dirt and
sludge from the filter sealing area on the
engine. Check the old filter to make sure that
the rubber sealing ring hasn’t stuck to the
engine. If it has, carefully remove it.

9 Apply a light coating of clean engine oil to
the sealing ring on the new filter, then screw it
into position on the engine. Tighten the filter
firmly by hand only - do not use any tools.

Wipe clean the filter and sump drain plug.

10 Remove the old oil and all tools from
under the car, then lower the car to the
ground (if applicable).

11 Remove the oil filler cap and withdraw the
dipstick. Fill the engine, using the correct
grade and type of oil (see “Lubricants and
fluids”). An oil can spout or funnel may help to
reduce spillage. Pour in half the specified
quantity of oil first, then wait a few minutes for
the oil to fall to the sump. Continue adding oil
a small quantity at a time until the level is up to
the lower mark on the dipstick. Finally, bring
the level up to the upper mark on the dipstick.

Insert the dipstick, and refit the filler cap.

12 Start the engine and run it for a few
minutes; check for leaks around the oil filter
seal and the sump drain plug. Note that there
may be a delay of a few seconds before the oil
pressure warning light goes out when the
engine is first started, as the oil circulates
through the engine oil galleries and the new oil
filter, before the pressure builds up.

13 Switch off the engine, and wait a few
minutes for the oil to settle in the sump once
more. With the new oil circulated and the filter
completely full, recheck the level on the
dipstick, and add more oil as necessary.

14 Dispose of the used engine oil safely, with
reference to “General repair procedures” in
the Reference section of this manual.

See also:

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Note: The oil consumption of new
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app ...